Thursday, May 20, 2010

Off-Duty CPD Wounded (UPDATE - RIP Officer)

An off-duty Chicago Police officer was shot late Wednesday during an apparent armed robbery, police said. Two other people were reportedly wounded.

The off-duty officer was shot about 10:30 p.m. in the 8400 block of South King Drive, police said. The shooting appears to be an armed robbery.

Chicago Police requested State Police assistance in locating the maroon Nissan Maxima involved in the shooting. The car was last seen heading northbound on the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94), Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Anthony Hoop said.

He said three people were wounded in the shooting.

Prayers and well-wishes only.

UPDATE: Officer Thomas Wortham IV, recently returned from a second tour in Iraq serving his country, assigned to the 007th District (Englewood) and just home from honoring Law Enforcement deceased in Washington DC, was murdered when three offenders attempted to take his motorcycle. Wortham's father, a retired police sergeant, killed one assailant and wounded a second. The third is being sought at this time. RIP Thomas Wortham IV.

An off-duty, Chicago Police Department Officer gets shot-in-the-head by THREE (3) punks attempting to rob the same off-duty CPD Officer while he was sitting on his motorcycle getting ready to leave his family's home?

Let's keep this officer and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Saint Michael The Archangel defend us in battle and protect the CPD as well as the critically-injured officer.

The senselessness of this crime is hard to swallow. This veteran of two tours in Iraq and three years of service with CPD is killed over a motorcycle. He survived combat but is killed because some shithead wanted his bike. Killed in front of his father's house and in front of his father. His father is a retired Sgt. of CPD. The whole situation sucks.

Jody, we have to take the kid gloves off and take care of these thug, hood rat, violent driven, drains on society. This Officer was killed for a fucking motorcycle! Does this make sense to you? Give us the green light, the support, the backing and fuck politics, fuck IPRA, fuck Daley and fuck these low life shitbags! I'm so fucking pissed my head hurts.

My heart felt condolence to the family. I cannot begin to imagine your pain, loss and suffering. The crime scene was horrible and your loss irreplaceable. We as a family need to end the pussy-footin' around and strike fear into these cowardly thugs. I am frustrated and angry.

To all who responded, thank you. You showed incredible professionalism and compassion for a downed Officer. We are all we have and we need to take care of each other.

May God take you in His arms and embrace your soul. Eternal Rest Brother.

"said the officer worked two tours of duty in Iraq. He did not think the officer lived at the house, but visited frequently because it was where his parents -- to whom he was "very close" -- live."FROM THE SCUM-TIMES .......

GOD BLESS YOUR CO-WORKER.... TWO TOURS IN A HOSTILE COUNTRY ONLY TO BE GUNNED DOWN IN FRONT OF HIS PARENTS HOME !!!!!!!!

God Bless him and his family. RIP OFFICER!! Another Brother Rice graduate lost. P.O. Valadez, P.O. Wortham, Army spc. Stanker, and Homewood firefighter Kevin Carey all graduates of Rice killed serving their country or city in the last 2 years

Godspeed my Brother. I worked with Sgt.Tom Wortham in 005 when he was a P.O., What a outstanding, standup copper! I never met his son but if he was anything like his father, this department lost a outstanding Police Officer.My condolences to the Wortham family. Sincerely, Greg Insley formerly of the 005th district.

May your family and your family in Blue find comfort in these difficult times.

Now, to all of you who think the National Guard will help out - STOP.

They cannot and will not help.

The city got handcuffed police department it wanted about ten years or so ago — when the mayor decided to let poverty pimps (fake Ministers and Reverends) have a say into police matters.

This effect has culminated in the violence you see today — the thugs know that there is no time for their crime - so they just go at it.

Look at the REAL problem - don't just spout off about the national Guard coming in Chicago. And, to do what? Stand on the corners with guns? The CPD did that in Englewood and the thugs STILL shot at them.

Nope, the problem lies right before you — but will you be honest enough to open your eyes, see it, and then deal with it?

Doubt it - it is easier to just be given handouts by these "community activists" and store front preachers.

An absolute shame - ABSOLUTE SHAME, this young Officer served this city and this country, and his father did the same. Now his father is left to burry his son — it SHOULD NOT BE like this.

Just reported on the morning local news that the off duty died. Only had 3 years on the job. So sorry to hear that he had to die because of a p.o.s. trying to rob him. REST IN PEACE FELLOW BROTHER IN BLUE. My condolences to your family.May God rest your soul.

it's hard to comment when you read a story like this--- the anguish being felt by his family and friends must be unbearable--- another hero who served two tours of duty in combat under arms in hostile territory gets killed at home where it is supposed to be safe--- RIP officer........

Worked as a P.O. for the father many years ago. What a great man. R.I.P. Officer and may GOD bless you and your family and hold them in the palm of his hand.Thank You for serving our country and our city...

Another senseless killing of a Chicago Police Officer-RIP Tom, and Yes his father a retired CPD Sergeant shot and killed one, they have declared a war on Chicago Police Officers -the assailant should be hunted down and killed like a dog he is. Take back our streets at all costs. God Bless You and Your family Russ...Sgt. R Forgue

Anonymous said...God Bless him and his family. RIP OFFICER!! Another Brother Rice graduate lost. P.O. Valadez, P.O. Wortham, Army spc. Stanker, and Homewood firefighter Kevin Carey all graduates of Rice killed serving their country or city in the last 2 years

I heard this story on Newsradio 78, and get this, they followed up the story this morning with a piece about 2 coppers killing someone's dog (4 legged) during a domestic, with a statement from the family on how the dog was non-violent. I called the editor's desk and told them that they should be ashamed of themselves. What were they trying to do, achieve balance? A war veteran, loving son, and public servant gets gunned down, his father has to intervene and bear a terrible burden, 2 offenders wanted, and they run a story about 2 coppers shooting a dog. The woman on the phone said she would relay my concerns to the news director. Unbelievable. The sons and daughters of this city deserve better.

Senseless and Very Tragic. CPD officers my heart goes out to you all and especially to the family of Thomas Wortham. Please know there are more regular citizens who support you than those that do not! To Mayor Daley, please support "our troops" THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPT! And not the wastes of sperm, bilking the everyday citizen of his/ her security and tax dollars!

St. Michael the Archangel,Defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, oh Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, thrust into hell, satan and all evil spirits who prowl through the world for the ruin of souls.

I pray justice is done to those who did this to you and to us.

And I pray that justice falls upon those who created and enabled the environment that allowed this kind of savagery to prevail on our streets.

Fellow officers, be always vigilant, off duty and on duty, for we are under attack from all sides.

RIP P.O. Wortham. Many are thinking of your father and your family during this time.

Times like this persuade an officer to reflect on his duty; what it means, and who you are in relation to it. I feed my spirit daily, in an effort to assure that I remain a soldier in my Lord's righteous fight. I pray for my brethern, that he/she may be strong as well. I pray that we realize our full purpose, and that we understand that we too are soldiers in a war. A war between good and evil, righteous and immoral, Godly, and wicked. Take solace in knowing that you are the chosen children of our Father, and that you have been given the charge to protect and build his kingdom. I read the following today, and pray that it brings some peace to those who are morning our brother's death.

P.O. Clay, 3rd Watch, 007

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- May 20, 2010: Be obedient to My Word, for it will be your place of safety and protection in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You can do nothing about this generation, but you can do plenty to be people of the Spirit and truth. Maintain your integrity even when surrounded by darkness and trouble. You are people of light and not darkness, so walk in the light, says the Lord. Walk in the Spirit!

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

I like to say a prayer for the P.O. and his family. May God Bless them during this struggling crisis. A lot of times people don't appreciate the job that these men do, they constantly put their life on the line for us to have our so called freedom. God Bless You Officer!

When I was at Brother Rice in the late 60's, I remember a teacher telling us that the world was a battlefield between good and evil, and that we would have to decide which side we were going to fight on. I am proud of my three warriors - my son in the CPD & my two sons serving in Afghanistan, and I am proud of brave warriors like Thomas Wortham IV.

"Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once."

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. - General George S. Patton Jr.

The city better honor this man with full line of duty death honors. If they dont, my brothers and sisters in blue, we should treat it as such. I didn't know him or his father, but from the little that I have read, this man and his family DESERVE to have all of us support one of our fallen. RIP brother, my prayers for you and your family.

Was in the academy with him. Just a great guy. I forgot my gym shoes one day for PE class and he had a spare pair he snuck to me so I wouldn't get into trouble. Thanks again for that buddy. Very mild mannered and always thinking of others.... He will be missed

Just reported on the morning local news that the off duty died. Only had 3 years on the job. So sorry to hear that he had to die because of a p.o.s. trying to rob him. REST IN PEACE FELLOW BROTHER IN BLUE. My condolences to your family.May God rest your soul.

5/20/2010 08:45:00 AM___________________________________

I wrote this with what I had just heard on the news and no further details.

I now learned from watching the news at 11:30 wgn news that it was over his motorcycle ? WTF !!! His father who is a retired Sgt. came out to help his son and was able to KILL one assailant and wound the other scumbag, and the saddest part is that Officer Wortham SERVED OUR COUNTRY - 3 TOURS AND RETURNS HOME SAFELY TO THIS !!!.I'm so sorry for your loss Sgt Wortham sir. Godspeed to you sir . Words can not bring back your son, our brother, but know, and I know you do, because you're one of us, always were and always will be, that he will not be forgotten for what he's done for our country 1st and foremost and our city. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.....

This is a complete disgrace and tragic loss of human life, especially the life of a young man who had given so much of himself already. Can you imagine all the good he would have continued to do, if he had been able to live a full lifetime? Not only has his family and friends been robbed of a good man and citizen in this crime, but an entire city and nation was also robbed of his good heart and dedicated service. Shame on the worthless low-lives who committed this crime. Shame! Who raises these punks to behave like this anyway? I want your motorcycle so I'm going to kill you for it? Jail is too good for people with that kind of mentality.

My thoughts and prayers are with officer Wortham and his entire family (especially his father). Also, my thanks to each and every officer who continues to serve and protect our communities. Please be safe!

My condolences to Officer Wortham's family and to his brothers and sisters at the Chicago Police Department. This man was a true hero who served not only our city but our country as well. Godspeed Officer Wortham.

P.P.O THOMAS E WORTHAM IV STAR #6181 ASSIGNED TO THE 007 TH DISTRICT WAS SHOT AND KILL IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON 20 MAY 2010 ALTHOUGH THOMAS WORTHAM HAS BEEN WITH THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE JUNE 4 2007 HIS PROBATIONARY PERIOD WAS EXTENDED DUE TO SERVING HIS COUNTRY ON TWO SEPERATE TOURS OVERSEAS What’s the PPO stuff mean extended? Benefits??

god bless officer and his family. I am sure that Jessie and the other "reverends" are crushed and getting ready to deal with these problems, yea right.Be safe out there to all you police officers and thanks for all you do.

Didn't know the young officer, but I knew his father. Tom Wortham Sr. is fantastic person and was one helluva copper. My heart breaks for Tom. People I've talked to about the officer say he was a great young man, very well liked, outgoing, and funny. My thought and prayers are with the Wortham family.

The entire city of Chicago should weep for this fallen hero; two tours of duty in Iraq and a Chicago Police Officer dedicated to eradicating violence from his neighborhood. I am sad I never got a chance to meet this man.

thanks to all the officers from outside districts and units and also the suburbs who help close off streets for the ambulance from the scene to the hospital. Especially thank you to the state police who unfortunatly one of the troopers was involved in an accident at 95/pulaski attempting to help us out with traffic it shows your guys dedication and teamwork to help a fellow officer in need. my condolences to the family and to his co workers.

RIP...This one was a different kick in the gut. TW gave so much already and had so much to give. God bless his family and the CPD. Awesome short of support for the family at the worst possible time of their lives. The escort to the ME was almost 100 squad cars with just about every intersection blocked from Christ Hosp. Thanks to suburban Depts for their show of support. Great job by the Zone 6 dispatchers. Be safe.

And once again another wonderful man is taken from us too soon by these worthless thugs who place no value on human life. My heartfelt condolences to the family. One small piece of good news in this tragedy is that the retired CPD father was able to send one of the thugs directly to hell.

To the Wortham Family... God Bless You and the rest of your family and friends at this difficult time. My families heart and prayers are with you. May you find strength in each others arms and that of your extended family in blue.

My heart breaks and I hurt inside. Prayers and condolences and God Bless the officer and all of CPD. So young and full of life and he gave so much here and over seas as well. He served the city and his country. To the Wortham family be very proud. God Bless.

The third piece of shit repeat offender in custody. This dirtbag should have been locked up and had the key thrown away years ago. Thank a judge or ASA for their wheeling and dealing that these pieces of shit were loose on the street to do this. How many times does one have to be arrested in this city and county before our courts will do something to protect the community that they prey upon? God bless the officer, his family, and his fellow officers.

Jody, we have to take the kid gloves off and take care of these thug, hood rat, violent driven, drains on society. This Officer was killed for a fucking motorcycle! Does this make sense to you? Give us the green light, the support, the backing and fuck politics, fuck IPRA, fuck Daley and fuck these low life shitbags! I'm so fucking pissed my head hurts.

Sorry man but they are not listening. After they get done "fake crying" over TOM at his funeral, they will get on with the business of fucking over as many working coppers as they can. Don't let your emotions get away with you, the war is still on with J-Fled. After we catch these two at large animals then stand down or be served up to the corrupt police board for your efforts.

R.I.P. This is a sad day for everyone and a wake up call to our leadership. There have been more CPD deaths under our current adm. Then any other the supt has requested a policy group officers that look at data n stats can they not see that what they are doing is not working. If he truly cares about all the CPD members he would send ALL full duty PO's to the street. Revamp a new strategy and go out there in full force.

Let it be known that CPD officers are appreciated by the citizens more than they may realize. My heartfelt condolences to the Wortham family and especially to the Sgt. (Dad) who just lived through the worst day of his life.I would like to hear from the parents of the vermin that took this young officer's life. I would also like to determine the mentality of the killers who thought it was ok to take another's property by force. Out of four at least two should have been able to reject this fatefull and fatal decision. I'm praying to God the the two at large can taste hell soon. Prison is too good for em. PS: My condolences also to the Englewood district officers. My son attends Lindblom Math @ Science,is wheelchair bound and cannot defend himself. He is dependent upon those around him.

RIP Brother. My deepest sympathy and prayers to your family and your family in 007. This is just a shock. 2 tours in Iraq and you are killed here. Sgt. Wortham my heart bleeds for you. To see your son killed senselessly. No parent should ever have to go through that. Especially when your son was so dedicated to stopping violence here and abroad.

Dad heard something, put his coffee cup down and went outside, and was suddenly looking death in the face. He took a firm stance and aimed carefully with both hands, took half a breath and let it out, and s-q-u-e-ezed. Again! Again! Again! Dazzled by the flashes, his ears ringing...

May God be pleased with your soul P.O. Thomas Wortham IV, condolences to the Wortham Family, Thank God for Sgt. Wortham....it brings me to tears and sorrow to imagine a proud father watch his son die in the street in front of the home he was raised....Daley/Weis you gotta take of the handcuffs and idle threats....the police have to be the REAL POLICE again, before there is total anarchy....we need a REAL LEADER who truly understands...this is sad, very sad

This City has gone to complete and utter shit. Everything is upside down. The criminals own the streets and the Mayor allows it all to happen in exchange for votes. The only satisfaction in all of this, is that his father shot and killed that useless motherfucker. If it was my son, I'd have done the same.

RIP Officer Wortham. Thank you for serving our country as well as the citizens of Chicago. My fellow officers in blue take care of yourselves and your families and be safe on and off duty. God bless the Wortham family in this time of grief. Officer Wortham should get full honors he deserves it, according to our code we are po's 24-7 365 days a year on or off duty. Rangers I'm sorry you have to go through another loss in less than a year take care of each other. A former ranger

May you see God's light on the path aheadWhen the road you walk is dark.May you always hear,Even in your hour of sorrow,The gentle singing of the lark.When times are hard may hardnessNever turn your heart to stone,May you always rememberwhen the shadows fall—You do not walk alone.

Once again there is a new star in Heaven to shine down on the world. As painful as this murder is, try to find some bit of peace in the fact that in the end, God wins. Evil loses. Take care of each other.

God bless this P.O. and his family. may he be resting by Gods side in the kingdom of heaven protected from all harm and evil. may hi family remember him in their hearts and the love and happiness they shared together, and may God give them the strength to carry on.

My prayers are for Officer Thomas Wortham IV, and for his family. My wife and I attended the Washington Memorial Service and met Officer W ortham on the Metro train. We had never met this officer before but, while talking to him during the train ride and the walk to the hotel we were both impressed by the way he presented himself. He was a true gentleman.

I never knew young Wortham, but I knew his Dad, who was a very nice guy, religious, a good man. Sir, know that your son, if he was anything like you, is in a much better place....I grieve your loss.It's all so senseless, that this violence would come about over a vehicle. So sad, a decent young man that would face so much danger on the other side of a world gone mad, only to return home and meet such an unjust end in a so-called "civilized" society. Again, Sir, my condolences to you and your family.

The scene at the ME's office was very moving this morning. Forty squad cars with blue lights met the CFD ambulance and escort on Harrison/Leavitt. After the CFD ambulance reached the office, about 100 to 125 officers came to attention and saluted the officer as six officers carried him toward the ME's Office. At the door a chaplain said a prayer for the officer. Attention was called again and a final salute was given as the officer was carried into the ME's Office. Besides commands and the prayer, all that was heard was the wind, the birds in the trees, and the cirping of dying radio batteries. God bless the officer and the CPD.

Dear SCC,I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Thomas Wortham IV. Also to his brethren in the CPD.

I also wish to express my gratitude to this family, for raising such a fine son. He contributed greatly to the good in our nation by service in Chicago and abroad. The entire country is the poorer thereby.

I wish, but the city and savage lawyers will burn us if we do. Unfortunately we are just an employee number to the city. Incidents like this sicken us, but not politicians. They will just use it to push their anti-gun rally. They are the true sick ones.RIP OFFICER!!!

OMG how sad for this officer who fought for our country and served our city and his poor father who witnessed such a repulsive criminal act. I pray for this brave man who ran out and helped his son. RIP my brother.

When is this city going to take our side and let us start cleaning this mess up without any consequences? How many more brothers and sisters in blue? How many more DECENT families will get that late night call? Rest in peace brother. They will get theirs!

What a POS our Mayor is! Did anyone catch this moron on Fox news. saying if handguns were banned, this would not have happened! Duh asshat, there is a gun ban in Shitcago and it still happened. This POS Mayor will even use the death of one of our Brothers to help advance his agenda.

Keep in mind that King Richey was also against permitting Retired Officers (like Sgt. Worthham) from carrying, and fought it til the end. Thank God Sgt Wortham was and was able to respond. Had he not been armed, it would have been a bigger tragedy, if that is possible, had he not been armed.

Sgt. Worhtam my heart goes out to you sir, as YOU also are a Hero. God Bless you and your family!

Tom died being the Shield and Sword to the people of our Great Nation and CIty. My heart is heavy in thoughts of your family and friends. I worked with you in the Academy and wish I got to know you better.

Two tours in Iraq serving his country and a dedicated Chicago Police Officer serving his city. Gunned done like a dog, by the filth that is only held at bay, by the likes of men and women like Officer Wortham. What a terrible end to such a giving individual.

When will the citizens of this city unleash the police and rid this city of the clear and present danger of thugs and gang bangers? How angry or scared do you need to get? If this happens to a man like Tom, no one is safe.

R.I.P I did not have the opportunity to know you but I've red that you were and outstanding Soldier Officer and a peace keeper therefore, I salute you and say thanks for serving your community and our country.I'll keep your family in the CPD in my prayers

TO ALL THOSE WHO WORKED THE SCENE, CONVOYED THE AMBULANCE, AND STOOD WATCH AT THE MORGUE. TO THOSE WHO GUARD THE FAMILY OF OUR FALLEN AND WORK THE CASE DILIGENTLY: You remind me of the professional and personal bond that we all share, the bearing, the attitudes, the courage, strength, skill, and professionalism displayed at these times, which come too often. You restore a certain underlying sense of pride that we so rarely get to experience anymore. I do wish that it isn't for these things, but to every single one of you, for your dedication and composure, I commend you and continually pray for you all. BE SAFE!